Culture
The timeless values of Islam lie at the Heart of UAE's
living heritage, providing a strength and inspiration
that touches all aspects of everyday life.
Traditional
Clothing
The Arab national dress worn in Dubai and throughout
the Gulf is Adapted to the high temperatures and religious
beliefs of the region.
Men wear and ankle-length, loose-fitting garment known
as a Kandoura or Dishdasha which is usually made of
white cotton, although some darker, heavier material
may be seen in winter.
A white crocheted skull-cap, the gahfia or tagia, is
covered by the gutra, which is a long white cotton cloth
or sometimes red and white woolen material in winter.
The gutra is kept in place by the igal, a double black
woolen braid worn around the crown of the head.
Women usually wear a long-sleeved, full-length dress,
which is also called a kandoura and is often elaborately
embroidered in gold, silver or colored thread. The thoab
is worn over trousers, sirwal and covered entirely by
a black abbaya. The hair is covered and the face may
also be covered by a gishwa, a thin veil.
Hospitality
Courtesy and hospitality are among the most highly prized
virtues of the Arab World and the visitor is sure to
be charmed by the genuine warmth and friendliness of
the peoples.
Family
life
The family is the most important institution in Arab
society, encompassing grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins
and more distant relatives as well as the immediate
family unit. Relationships within these extended families
are strong and respect is accorded to the elder members.
Ramadan
Ramadan is the Holy Month in which Muslims commemorate
the revelation of the Holy Koran. Its timing is not
fixed in terms of the Gregorian calendar, but advances
11 days every year. Ramadan is a month of fasting when,
from dawn until dusk, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking
and smoking. As a sign of respect, visitors are also
required to refrain from consuming these items in public
during daylight hours.
Religious
Festivals
Eid Al Fitr is a feast which marks the end of Ramadan
and is celebrated from three days. The celebrations
start after prayers in the morning, and gifts are exchanged.
Eid Al Adha is a festival of sacrifices and marks the
end of Haj (the pilgrimage that all Muslims should make
to Mecca at least once in their lives). It lasts four
days.
Traditional
Sport
The sport of falconry is among the many traditional
pastimes which are still practiced in Dubai. It is a
unique partnership between man and bird and it is not
unusual to see a hooded falcon being trained on its
owner's gloved wrist.
The Ancient sport of camel racing also attracts a sizeable
following-and substantial purses for champions.
Life
Style
Expatriates and foreign visitors-both male and female-can
enjoy a relaxed and pleasant lifestyle in UAE. There
is virtually no crime, the city is clean, there are
few traffic jams, apartments and villas are modern,
spacious and surprisingly to many, the climate is not
only tolerable but also extremely pleasant for most
of the year.
There are many clubs and societies in UAE. Freedom of
worship is allowed to all religions, and Christian churches
have existed in Dubai from many years. Foreign newspapers,
magazines, films and videos are readily available. Alcohol
may be consumed at home, in hotels and on licensed club
premises. Women can drive and move about unaccompanied.
